Washington DC Arts & Culture

Tap into the city’s creative heartbeat.

Whether you're inspired by free museums or culturally diverse neighborhoods, this city has it all. Catch a musical before it hits Broadway. Go where DC creators hatch their best ideas. The District oozes with local flavor and one-of-a-kind experiences. Bottle it up on your trip when you tour colorful street murals, chat with artists at Eastern Market or accept a standing invite to the Meridian Hill drum circle.

Passport DC - Embassy Open Houses

Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Guests Taking Photo of Ben's Chili Bowl Mural

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Where to Find the Most Colorful Street Murals in Washington, DC

Vibrant street art adds color to DC in any season.

Henry the elephant in the National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC

History, science, art and culture come alive at these free DC museum...

Theaters & Performance Spaces to See a Show in Washington, DC

A variety of performances grace stages throughout the District – her...

20+ Cool & Interesting Museums in Washington, DC That Aren’t On the National Mall

Venture off the National Mall to these knowledge centers for a uniqu...

Inside National Museum of African American History and Culture

Ways to Celebrate African American History & Culture in Washington, DC

Honor the Black experience at these museums, memorials and more thro...

Grab A Seat: Washington, DC’s Theaters Are Must-See Attractions

Why Washington, DC's performing arts scene is in a class of its own

Grandfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown Mural by Aniekan Udofia

Keep on Groovin’: An Intro to Go-Go Music in Washington, DC

The official music of the city has a fascinating history, but its st...

A couple looks at a colorful painting at the Phillips Collection.

2 Days of LGBTQ+ Culture & Arts in Washington, DC

Whether during Pride or year-round, visitors and locals can embrace ...

National Gallery of Art East Building - Museum on the National Mall - Washington, DC

Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, DC

Explore modern artworks in this stunningly beautiful free museum on ...

The Best City to Visit in 2026

Washington, DC shines with can’t-miss events, new exhibits and prais...

@carahedge - Summer day outside The LINE Hotel in Adams Morgan - Unique hotels in Washington, DC

15 Cool Hotels for Your Next Trip to Washington, DC

These hip and trendy hotels offer unique experiences that blend the ...

SPONSORED

Virginia

George Washington's Mount Vernon

The iconic riverside estate of George Washington. Open daily, 365 days a year.

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SPONSORED

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration Opens June 26

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SPONSORED

National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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SPONSORED

Virginia

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps: Enter and experience what it means to be a Marine.

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Children's Museum

A playful learning adventure awaits at National Children's Museum!

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SPONSORED

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Museum of Women in the Arts

First major museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts.

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U Street

Lincoln Theatre

The Lincoln Theatre, built in 1922, was a cultural center of D

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Virginia

National Museum of the United States Arm...

The National Museum of the United States Army

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Downtown

Hedy's Rooftop

Hedy's Rooftop at Hotel Zena

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DC Metro Area

Mexican Cultural Institute

The Mexican Cultural Institute of Washington, D.C. is committed to enriching the relationship between Mexico and the United States by sharing Mexico's vibrant cultural past and present with the local community

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Virginia

Airbus IMAX Theater

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Downtown

U.S. Navy Memorial

The United States Navy Memorial

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Upper Northwest

The Washington Ballet

The Washington Ballet (TWB) 2023/24 Season of Discovery Tickets On-Sale Now!

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Woodley Park

Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservat...

Enjoy thousands of exotic animals

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Jul

15

2026

Virginia

OMNIUM CIRCUS

Now - Jul 16, 2026

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Jul

16

2026

Downtown

National Scrollathon

Now - Sep 07, 2026

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Jul

16

2026

Virginia

Pippin

Now - Jul 26, 2026

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Jul

16

2026

Beetlejuice - The Musical

Now - Jul 26, 2026

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Jul

16

2026

Virginia

Pippin

Now - Jul 26, 2026

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Jul

16

2026

Foggy Bottom

Mrs. Doubtfire - The Musical

Now - Aug 02, 2026

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Jul

16

2026

Virginia

What Became of Us

Now - Jul 26, 2026

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Jul

16

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

CrazySexyCool - The TLC Musical

Now - Aug 09, 2026

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Jul

16

2026

Downtown

Beetlejuice

Now - Jul 19, 2026

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Jul

16

2026

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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Jul

16

2026

Maryland

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Now - Aug 23, 2026

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Jul

16

2026

Downtown

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

Now - Sep 30, 2026

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Jul

17

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

“A General’s Prayer”

Now - Jul 19, 2026

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Jul

17

2026

Foggy Bottom

Music Cabaret In Celebration of the American Semiquincentennial

Jul 17, 2026

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Jul

17

2026

Logan Circle

Escape with Washington Improv Theater

Jul 17, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026

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Jul

18

2026

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 15, 2028

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Jul

18

2026

Maryland

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Jul 18, 2026 - Jun 13, 2027

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Jul

18

2026

Maryland

Comedy Shows Near Me - Arundel Mills

Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 15, 2028

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Jul

19

2026

Virginia

Princess Backpack and Benjamin

Jul 19, 2026

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Jul

21

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Concert on the Avenue - Navy Band Jazz Ensemble

Jul 21, 2026

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Featured Places to Stay

Book a memorable night at DC hotels

Boutique hotels, family-friendly hotels, budget-friendly hotels - whatever you're looking for, you'll find it. Explore the hotel options waiting for your arrival.

Take Me There

Southwest & The Wharf

Canopy Washington DC The Wharf

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Downtown

Eaton Washington DC

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Downtown

Hotel Zena

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Adams Morgan

The LINE DC

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Partner Content

The District Blog

Delightful Patio Dining

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Why DC is the Best City to Visit in 2026

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5 Reasons to Partner with a DMO

Exceptional Venus for Your Meeting in Washington, DC

Your Meeting Planner Toolkit

Museums with After-Hours Programming in Washington, DC

Learning on Location

Top Ways Washington, DC is a Sustainable City

Member Testimonials

Learn More About Partnerships

The District Blog

Delightful Patio Dining

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Why DC is the Best City to Visit in 2026

Order Your Free Visitors Guide

Arts & Culture

Tap into the city’s creative heartbeat.

Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Where to Find the Most Colorful Street Murals in Washington, DC

Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC

Theaters & Performance Spaces to See a Show in Washington, DC

20+ Cool & Interesting Museums in Washington, DC That Aren’t On the National Mall

Ways to Celebrate African American History & Culture in Washington, DC

Grab A Seat: Washington, DC’s Theaters Are Must-See Attractions

Keep on Groovin’: An Intro to Go-Go Music in Washington, DC

2 Days of LGBTQ+ Culture & Arts in Washington, DC

Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, DC

The Best City to Visit in 2026

15 Cool Hotels for Your Next Trip to Washington, DC

George Washington's Mount Vernon

National Postal Museum

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

National Museum of the American Indian

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Children's Museum

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Lincoln Theatre

National Museum of the United States Arm...

Hedy's Rooftop

Mexican Cultural Institute

Airbus IMAX Theater

U.S. Navy Memorial

The Washington Ballet

Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservat...

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

15

Virginia

OMNIUM CIRCUS

16

Downtown

National Scrollathon

16

Virginia

Pippin

16

Beetlejuice - The Musical

16

Virginia

Pippin

16

Foggy Bottom

Mrs. Doubtfire - The Musical

16

Virginia

What Became of Us

16

Southwest & The Wharf

CrazySexyCool - The TLC Musical

16

Downtown

Beetlejuice

16

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

16

Maryland